In the Frontier Territories of Carvecia, a bear fisherman stopping briefly along a river trade town has an unexpected encounter with a mysterious canine gentleman on the run from dangerous bounty hunters.Circumstance brings these two unlikely men together on their travels. Pursued by agents of a conspiracy born in International waters, facing the elements and their own limitations, they must decide for themselves what is worth fighting for in life - and what connections matter most.
Set in a world shaped by the aftermath of the events in Kindred - North, this narrative explores the complexities of identity and survival. Characters grapple with their pasts and the legacies of trauma while navigating a society that challenges their existence. Themes of resilience and the struggle for agency are woven throughout, as individuals confront both personal and collective histories. The story delves into the interplay between memory and reality, reflecting on how the past continues to influence the present.
Exploring a blend of myth and reality, this collection features captivating stories set in the enchanting world of the Red Lantern. Each tale delves into the lives of intriguing characters, revealing their dreams, struggles, and triumphs. The narratives are woven with elements of magic and folklore, inviting readers to ponder the truth behind each story. With a unique storytelling style, the book invites reflection on the nature of memory and imagination, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
The story centers on Isidor, who has relentlessly pursued the enigmatic Darcy, known as the "Heart Thief." However, the chase takes an unexpected turn when Isidor becomes the captive of the very person he was hunting. This twist sets the stage for a complex interplay of power and desire, as the dynamics between hunter and hunted shift dramatically.
"Spending her life beneath the oppressive control of an abusive husband she'd had no choice in marrying was a hard life, but Shivah strove to endure it in order to protect her child. When her child was slain, and Shivah herself was viciously attacked and left for dead, she swore she'd make her husband pay dearly for his greatest mistake... leaving her alive. She is joined in her hunt by the two men who pulled her from the jaws of death, and a group of lawmen hunting a dangerous band of raiders threatening the countryside. But there may be deeper, more widespread evils hidden in the shadows of the conflict she finds herself a part of"--Page 4 of cover
"Following her journey in 'Off the Beaten Path', Shivah continues her hunt for the vicious raiders who destroyed her village and have since continued their reign of terror across the country. They are joined by the men of her village who turned on their own people, including her husband. Continuously haunted by a spirit bent on pushing her down a path of vengeance, Shivah has begun to question whether chasing revenge is worth throwing her life away, or if there's a better future ahead of her, and a chance at real peace... the most elusive quarry of all for a woman whose heart is consumed by grief and anger"--Page 4 of cover
Shivah's journey continues, taking her not only across a country she never truly knew, but soon the oceans, as well. She finds herself journeying to a distant land, but even so far from home, she can't hide from her grief, or the anger eating away at her heart. New allies and new dangers emerge, but in a foreign land, forced to choose sides in a foreign war, she is surprised to find kinship with many of the strange new people around her. Their lives may have been far apart from hers, but their struggles, she can understand. Her revenge may be close at hand, but will it give her the peace she's been seeking? Or will it consume her, as the Crow spirit has always promised?
Kadar was born into one of the lowest castes in his society'the laborers. That is, until a series of unfortunate events trapped him in the only life worse, that of an indentured servant. Literally collared by the powerful hyena clan that holds his contract, Kadar now finds himself facing a dangerous decision. Live as a slave, or fight for freedom. Joined by a hyena held captive by his own kind, a guard with a grudge against the very people he works for, and an indomitable cheetah, Kadar faces an uncertain future in a land where centuries of dependence on slavery and warfare make real freedom of any kind, for any caste, a dream that might be worth dying for. From the world of "Red Lantern" Written and illustrated by Rukis
Kadar's search for his lost family continues, meanwhile. But even if he can reunite with his son, it may only be in chains. In a country where half the population is enslaved, the war for freedom continues.
Born in poverty, discrimination and fear... The fires that forged Luther throughout his young life were none too kind. Now a man hardened and angered by the trials he's faced, his many years serving active combat in the navy of his proud nation, and finally the loss of a lover and comrade-in-arms, Luther faces imprisonment and a possible death sentence for the crime of heresy. The charge... loving another man. Now the desperation of a noble family and the grave situation of one young woman may be his salvation. But to embrace it and pursue a future he has only ever dreamed of, Luther must learn to become a part of their world... a world of intrigue, dark secrets, courtesans, religious zealotry and assassination. Luther is a man accustomed to fighting his way through life. But sometimes, with love and family on the line, a battle waged by the sword can have terrible repercussions. And the secret which threatened to destroy Luther his entire life could land all of those he loves in shackles beside him. 9 years before the events of 'Red Lantern', Luther Denholme's story begins.Written and illustrated by Rukis